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To Be a Runner: How Racing Up Mountains, Running with the Bulls, or Just Taking On a 5-K Makes You a Better Person
With an exuberant mix of passion, insight, instruction, and humor, best-selling author - and lifelong runner - Martin Dugard takes a journey through the world of running to illustrate how the sport helps us fulfill that universal desire to be the best possible version of ourselves each and every time we lace up our shoes. To Be a Runner represents a new way to write about running by bridging the chasm between the two categories of running how-to and personal narrative. Spinning colorful yarns of his running and racing adventures on six continents - from competing in the infamous Raid Gauloises to coaching his son's high school cross-country team - Dugard considers what it means to truly integrate the activity into one's life. For example, how the simple act of buying a new pair of running shoes can be a source of meaning and hope. As entertaining as it is provocative, To Be a Runner is about far more than It is about life, and how we should live it.
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First published May 4, 2011
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About the author
Martin Dugard
55Ìýbooks372ÌýfollowersMartin Dugard is the New York Times #1 bestselling author of the Taking Series â€� including Taking Berlin (2022) and Taking Paris (2021).
Book Two in the Taking series is titled Taking Berlin, covering the final nine months of World War II in Europe. Taking Berlin goes on sale November 1, 2022.
He is also the co-author of the mega-million selling Killing books, the bestselling non-fiction series in history: Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, Killing Jesus, Killing Patton, Killing Reagan, Killing England, Killing the Rising Sun, Killing the SS, Killing Crazy Horse, Killing the Mob, and the upcoming Killing the Killers.
Other works include the New York Times bestseller The Murder of King Tut (with James Patterson; Little, Brown, 2009); The Last Voyage of Columbus (Little, Brown, 2005); Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone (Doubleday, 2003), Farther Than Any Man: The Rise and Fall of Captain James Cook (Pocket Books, 2001), Knockdown (Pocket Books, 1999), and Surviving the Toughest Race on Earth (McGraw-Hill, 1998). In addition, Martin lived on the island of Pulau Tiga during the filming of Survivor's inaugural season to write the bestselling Survivor with mega-producer Mark Burnett.
Book Two in the Taking series is titled Taking Berlin, covering the final nine months of World War II in Europe. Taking Berlin goes on sale November 1, 2022.
He is also the co-author of the mega-million selling Killing books, the bestselling non-fiction series in history: Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, Killing Jesus, Killing Patton, Killing Reagan, Killing England, Killing the Rising Sun, Killing the SS, Killing Crazy Horse, Killing the Mob, and the upcoming Killing the Killers.
Other works include the New York Times bestseller The Murder of King Tut (with James Patterson; Little, Brown, 2009); The Last Voyage of Columbus (Little, Brown, 2005); Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone (Doubleday, 2003), Farther Than Any Man: The Rise and Fall of Captain James Cook (Pocket Books, 2001), Knockdown (Pocket Books, 1999), and Surviving the Toughest Race on Earth (McGraw-Hill, 1998). In addition, Martin lived on the island of Pulau Tiga during the filming of Survivor's inaugural season to write the bestselling Survivor with mega-producer Mark Burnett.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
December 30, 2011
Over the weekend I completed my third 5K. Running is still relatively new to me so I've been signing up for a 5K a month to keep myself working towards a goal. There are two libraries I regularly visit and somehow at the one location I seem to always find running books. This is the book I read on Sunday night when we were without power. It was nice to have few distractions, but it would have been nicer to have more light. I think I need a better book light!
The book is a collection of essays about running that run in a pretty much chronological order for Martin Dugard from how he first tried running when his parents ran laps in a gym, to being a runner in high school and college, to stopping and getting heavy, returning and then stopping again and getting heavy. Now he is a writer and a high school coach and the excitement he feels for his runners is so motivating. One thing I've found in my limited experience with the running community is that so many people are so encouraging. Very few people criticize if your time is slow or you aren't overly confident, and he seems like he is a very motivated and understanding coach who pushes his runners to do their best and believes in them. I wish at some point I had tried running as part of a team.
One thing he comes back to over and over again is how running, and he does mostly trail running, helps him put things in perspective and break out of a bad mood. He runs almost daily as a break in his writing and a lot of it really is getting your shoes on and getting out the door. Once you start you are so much less likely to stop or quit than if you never get yourself up to do it in the first place (like lots of things in life I guess).
The book is a collection of essays about running that run in a pretty much chronological order for Martin Dugard from how he first tried running when his parents ran laps in a gym, to being a runner in high school and college, to stopping and getting heavy, returning and then stopping again and getting heavy. Now he is a writer and a high school coach and the excitement he feels for his runners is so motivating. One thing I've found in my limited experience with the running community is that so many people are so encouraging. Very few people criticize if your time is slow or you aren't overly confident, and he seems like he is a very motivated and understanding coach who pushes his runners to do their best and believes in them. I wish at some point I had tried running as part of a team.
One thing he comes back to over and over again is how running, and he does mostly trail running, helps him put things in perspective and break out of a bad mood. He runs almost daily as a break in his writing and a lot of it really is getting your shoes on and getting out the door. Once you start you are so much less likely to stop or quit than if you never get yourself up to do it in the first place (like lots of things in life I guess).
June 17, 2022
I signed up for 10km even though I haven't been running more than 8km for the past few months cause hey, what better time to improve my 10km pr than in the middle of exam season?
Review to come!
Review to come!
July 10, 2012
Fun and inspirational. A quick, easy read that will cheer you up and make your next few runs a little more meaningful. A few observations I liked:
The author doesn't have goals, he has quests. I love the idea of having quests instead of goals. Makes them seem more personal and engaging.
I love the point the author made about how good goals (quests) allow you to become a better person in a way that fits into your life, not by taking over your life. Many athletes forget that and become obsessed with sport to the detriment of other parts of their lives.
The author doesn't have goals, he has quests. I love the idea of having quests instead of goals. Makes them seem more personal and engaging.
I love the point the author made about how good goals (quests) allow you to become a better person in a way that fits into your life, not by taking over your life. Many athletes forget that and become obsessed with sport to the detriment of other parts of their lives.
September 29, 2013
My favorite part of this whole book was on the 17th page in the essay called "Excuses, Excuses" is starts:
"To be an endurance athlete is to have a million excuses at the ready: It's too cold to train, too wet, too sunny, too Saturday. My shoes are wet. My tires are flat. I'm fat. I'm out of Gu. I can't put this book down. I just ate a burrito. My cat has a tumor. And on and on."
I loved it because as a long distance rummer it was very relate-able. To be sure there, there were other relate-able moments. I appreciated the concept of his extreme-passion (I wish I had that type of passion-about anything!)about the sport and all things related.
However, I found him to be so full of himself that it distracted from the essays. He was so "preach-y" and such a "know it all" that I was really turned off.
His tangent about how path running is the most superior form of running rubbed me the wrong way. I found it ridiculous how he was always talking about his weight insecurities....or how he honestly thought he was going to be an Olympic runner. And just in general, I thought he went overboard on how much stock he put into running and runners. I am a runner and I enjoy it and I appreciate it's positive effects but I just couldn't meet him at his level which ultimately detracted from my enjoyment of the book.
"To be an endurance athlete is to have a million excuses at the ready: It's too cold to train, too wet, too sunny, too Saturday. My shoes are wet. My tires are flat. I'm fat. I'm out of Gu. I can't put this book down. I just ate a burrito. My cat has a tumor. And on and on."
I loved it because as a long distance rummer it was very relate-able. To be sure there, there were other relate-able moments. I appreciated the concept of his extreme-passion (I wish I had that type of passion-about anything!)about the sport and all things related.
However, I found him to be so full of himself that it distracted from the essays. He was so "preach-y" and such a "know it all" that I was really turned off.
His tangent about how path running is the most superior form of running rubbed me the wrong way. I found it ridiculous how he was always talking about his weight insecurities....or how he honestly thought he was going to be an Olympic runner. And just in general, I thought he went overboard on how much stock he put into running and runners. I am a runner and I enjoy it and I appreciate it's positive effects but I just couldn't meet him at his level which ultimately detracted from my enjoyment of the book.
August 11, 2016
I wanted to like this book and despite multiple attempts to finish it I simply couldn't get to the end. I agree with another reviewer who stated it was a decent book ruined by the author. The final straw for me was in reading Dugard's reflections on 'writing a good sentence' and how it gives him satisfaction. His mantra of 'keep pushing...always' speaks to the seemingly obtuse nature of this author. If you want inspiration, read Born to Run.
November 11, 2021
A former manager gave me this book close to 7 years ago, as she knew I was a runner (very thoughtful!). I just decided to pick it up now, hoping it would inspire me as I move into my marathon taper. Not so! Honestly, this book is a disappointment. The author clearly thinks himself witty and self-deprecating while also a master of prose and it comes off arrogant and cheesy. There were some relatable passages, but mostly this is a part-memoir, part “here’s why running is great and how to do it� coming from a washed-up, middle-aged writer and cross-country coach. I hate to be scathing and probably a runner snob but I found the author unlikable and so little of interest or value here, having myself 15+ years of competitive running experience, and having read many good books about running. Honestly, I don’t see this being very interesting or helpful to new runners, either. I say skip it.
December 1, 2012
Meh. I sort of enjoyed the first couple chapters of this book, but only sort of. The stories are fine, but not particularly unique or unusually interesting. The tone is a bit too "inspirational poster" for me. Lots of positivity and thinly veiled life advice, and no particular reason that advice from the author is any more worthy than advice from, say, the guy who drove me home from the airport. The fact that the author has been a runner and a coach for a long time is his only particular credential and that's just not a big enough selling point for me.
It was good enough to hold my attention if I was, say, stuck at a relative's house and had some time to kill. Past that, though, there wasn't enough here to keep me reading.
It was good enough to hold my attention if I was, say, stuck at a relative's house and had some time to kill. Past that, though, there wasn't enough here to keep me reading.
April 7, 2019
Martin Dugard is a terrific writer, and this series of essays about how running has changed, improved, and sustained his life is both entertaining and inspiring. My favorite chapter was his description of how he felt after running the New York City Marathon. As he walked back to his hotel with his finisher's medal around his neck, a mother and her young daughter approached him on the sidewalk, and as they came near, the woman said to her daughter: "This man did something very special today." Having finished 8 marathons myself, I could not agree more.
As Dugard accurately explains, running can be very special--it can help you experience what it feels like to see dreams come true, to overcome significant adversity, and just keep courage in your everyday challenges. Dugard's mantra to the high school cross country runners he coaches is: "Keep pushing . . . always." Whether you are going slow or fast, short or long, in good weather or bad, running helps you to keep on keeping on in the race of life.
As Dugard accurately explains, running can be very special--it can help you experience what it feels like to see dreams come true, to overcome significant adversity, and just keep courage in your everyday challenges. Dugard's mantra to the high school cross country runners he coaches is: "Keep pushing . . . always." Whether you are going slow or fast, short or long, in good weather or bad, running helps you to keep on keeping on in the race of life.
July 3, 2020
This was the best, realest, most inspiring book about running I’ve ever read.
September 7, 2023
One thing I took from this book he doesn’t run with a watch or time his runs. I’ve always run with my watch but on occasion I forget it, those runs are more enjoyable.
September 5, 2024
Easy vacation read as I contemplate if I want to race this fall.
February 14, 2020
Interesting series of essays focusing on the influence running has had on the author's life overall, not just in the area of athletic endeavor. Why do people run? Dugard suggests some answers to this question from his perspective and life experience.
August 14, 2011
This summer I have been on this rampage of reading non YA books and instead reading books about bettering ourselves(not self help), increasing mental toughness, eliminating the things in our lives that we don't really need that end up causing us more stress, and fitness.
I saw this book at my local library and picked it up on a whim. What a great whim as I found this to be the perfect book for me to end my summer on. It helped to guide me with appreciating my runs, where I run, my habit of running, and to begin to think about the events and habits I am forming because of running. It gave me some great quotes to add to my massive collection that I have created for both coaching and my classroom(well, when I have a classroom).
You don't necessarily have to be a runner to enjoy this book, but it would really help. What I liked about this book is that in a subtle way it reminds all of us to not settle for mediocrity. Do something with yourself. Don't let life just pass you by, but get out there and be involved whether it is running, another sport, another hobby, etc. Look around you or maybe yourself and observe how many people are not pushing their limits to see what they are capable of actually accomplishing. This book put me at ease after a long workout or long day. A great read and I hope to find a few more books like this.
I saw this book at my local library and picked it up on a whim. What a great whim as I found this to be the perfect book for me to end my summer on. It helped to guide me with appreciating my runs, where I run, my habit of running, and to begin to think about the events and habits I am forming because of running. It gave me some great quotes to add to my massive collection that I have created for both coaching and my classroom(well, when I have a classroom).
You don't necessarily have to be a runner to enjoy this book, but it would really help. What I liked about this book is that in a subtle way it reminds all of us to not settle for mediocrity. Do something with yourself. Don't let life just pass you by, but get out there and be involved whether it is running, another sport, another hobby, etc. Look around you or maybe yourself and observe how many people are not pushing their limits to see what they are capable of actually accomplishing. This book put me at ease after a long workout or long day. A great read and I hope to find a few more books like this.
July 15, 2011
In having read a lot of running books in the last year, I have found that I most enjoy ones formatted like To Be a Runner. It seems that most running books devote each chapter to an anecdote of some sort. Often each chapter is devoted to telling a story about a different runner's inspiring experience, a la Chicken Soup for the Soul. I have a hard time getting into those books. This book, like Personal Record and Mile Markers, on the other hand, is full of anecdotes that directly relate to the author's experience. Dugard is definitely more skilled and dedicated to running than I am, which is motivating to read. However, he manages to also be humorous and sincerely humble at the same time.
June 5, 2011
I loved this book, an eloquent collection of essays on running by Martin Dugard. So many of his statements resonated deeply with me, a devoted runner (some of my friends might call me obsessed). I don't think this book will appeal to others who don't have a deep love for running, nor those who do run but do it solely for exercise and not for the love of the sport.
Martin, I'm running my first marathon this year at age 49...any words of wisdom for me? :)
Martin, I'm running my first marathon this year at age 49...any words of wisdom for me? :)
May 14, 2019
Bought this after hearing Dugard interviewed about running on a podcast. Maybe its his writing "voice" but this collection of essays was as self-congratulatory and somewhat juvenile. A HUGE disappointment. For a much better book on the same subject I would strongly recommend What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami.
July 8, 2011
This was a fun read for me because I related to so much of what Martin Dugard says about running.
August 3, 2015
Good motivator to get up and run :)
September 30, 2018
I went to the wedding the other day of one of my high school running teammates, then found this book on my shelf that my mom bought for herself a while back then gave me to read. I was most definitely a runner in high school, and would definitely not consider myself one now. I was actually pretty good at it, but just really didn’t like it. At the end of the day, I’d have to go pretty deep into introspection/self analyzation to tell you why I gave it up and just can’t convince myself to go back now. Regardless, running was a huge part of my high school years…and a huge part of my growing up. Running taught me all sorts of lessons: the importance of team (and friends), sticking it out when the going gets tough, believing in yourself, setting goals, putting down the hard work even when the final result seems a long time away, and that your body will hold out if you can convince your mind.
This book really took me back to days when I was so much stronger than I am now (mentally, I mean) � Dugard talks about training, different types of methodologies of training, but mostly of the life lessons from running. One of the quotes that stuck out the most was “You have two choices: the pain of suffering, or the pain of regret.� Man, how those words apply to so many situations � and do I ever need to take that advice right now in my life. See, running for me was never really about the running � it was about the battle, the healing, the joy of accomplishing something you didn’t think you could, and the freedom and peace you felt after winning the battle against your mind one more time. As I said, I am not nearly as mentally tough now as I was then � and I’d love to get back to that place.
I’ll go 9 of 10 for enjoyment and 4.5 of 5 for readability. As a former runner, the terminology was simple, and I think he explained the running terms well, but non-runners may disagree with me on that. If you are not or never have been a runner, this book may give you a slight glimpse into why people do the crazy physical feats they do. If you were or are a runner, this book is just validation that the physical pain is always worth the mental gain, whether it’s your first steps after 10 years off (and many additional pounds�) or you are crossing the line for that Olympic gold. At the end of the day, winning feels good, but just knowing you fought the battle and left it out there is worth so much more.
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
This book really took me back to days when I was so much stronger than I am now (mentally, I mean) � Dugard talks about training, different types of methodologies of training, but mostly of the life lessons from running. One of the quotes that stuck out the most was “You have two choices: the pain of suffering, or the pain of regret.� Man, how those words apply to so many situations � and do I ever need to take that advice right now in my life. See, running for me was never really about the running � it was about the battle, the healing, the joy of accomplishing something you didn’t think you could, and the freedom and peace you felt after winning the battle against your mind one more time. As I said, I am not nearly as mentally tough now as I was then � and I’d love to get back to that place.
I’ll go 9 of 10 for enjoyment and 4.5 of 5 for readability. As a former runner, the terminology was simple, and I think he explained the running terms well, but non-runners may disagree with me on that. If you are not or never have been a runner, this book may give you a slight glimpse into why people do the crazy physical feats they do. If you were or are a runner, this book is just validation that the physical pain is always worth the mental gain, whether it’s your first steps after 10 years off (and many additional pounds�) or you are crossing the line for that Olympic gold. At the end of the day, winning feels good, but just knowing you fought the battle and left it out there is worth so much more.
For more reviews, check out bedroopedbookworms.wordpress.com!
June 15, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It is one that I want to own and would definitely reread. It was funny and inspiring, and very relatable as a runner myself. What I loved most about his message was to run for adventure and to better yourself, not to compete with others or to worry about pace or distance or bragging rights. I loved his messages on allowing yourself to rest and recover, and how you actually are stronger when you rest and listen to your body when it needs recovery days. Finally, I appreciated his sayings such as "Keep pushing, always", "Stay smooth", and "Time to go to work". This book has inspired me to keep showing up and putting coins into my identity as a runner! It's never too late to get back into running if you've been gone for a season. And it's ok to stretch pre-run even though there is not really an identifiable benefit, besides camaraderie or just because you want to. The only thing I didn't agree with is running on golf courses. I'm not sure that's allowed or that I would ever try that. I'll have to ask my dad first! **jk** Overall, his essays were short and sweet and I loved every minute of them. I got emotional when his dad surprised him at a race and cheered him on at a time of despair. His dad said, "You can do this." It's amazing what that kind of support can do for the soul. My dad and mom were just like this. Cheering me on every step of the way. And to that I am grateful, in addition to his love of running and inviting me into that tribe as well. Love!
April 19, 2020
As a runner, I did not find this book inspiring. The author is an advanced runner-turned-coach who is basically an overachiever and pushes himself to the limits and gets angry at his injuries, which doesn't do much to hinder his athletic developments. He makes minimalist runners seem like pansies. He DOES exhibit good motivational points and tactics in his coaching leads - pointing out how running makes every person - in their own way - the best version of themselves. However, his addiction to bettering himself is a bit arrogant and not everyone is made to drag themselves through mud or bullruns to prove they are runners. It can be both inspiring and degrading when you're just running to complete a small race, and this guy is doing ultras like nothing. It's well written but his next book needs to be more modest.
March 4, 2025
A really helpful read as I finish a training block and immerse myself in taper before my first backyard ultra event.
So many times I wanted to make notes but the book was on loan and I read it each night in bed before sleep. Might have to read it again, this time taking notes.
There is so much more to running, and the very positive effects it can have, and this book describes some
of these episodes, feelings, benefits and experiences well.
I hope I am able to keep choosing the pain of suffering at my BYU event, to avoid the inevitable pain of regret.
So many times I wanted to make notes but the book was on loan and I read it each night in bed before sleep. Might have to read it again, this time taking notes.
There is so much more to running, and the very positive effects it can have, and this book describes some
of these episodes, feelings, benefits and experiences well.
I hope I am able to keep choosing the pain of suffering at my BYU event, to avoid the inevitable pain of regret.
October 31, 2016
For someone who has run competitively for about a decade (half of my life). It surprising how little I've reflected on what running means to me. I've spent so long chasing PR's and the guys in front of me, that I forget to just take off the watch and enjoy it. I read the book in no more than a couple of days, as it was very to read. I enjoyed it quite a bit and I recommend something like it to anyone that finds themselves in a running funk.
November 13, 2019
A kind of all over the place look at Dugard's career as a runner from his childhood in a gym to coaching varsity cross country in the San Diego suburbs. He's a dedicated trail runner and gives a great run/sightseeing tour of his area through that lens. I'd really love to see some of the trails he ran at Mammoth. He got a little philosophical when it came to his time in Pamplona with friends. An OK but not great read. It just felt a little disjointed.
September 6, 2022
3.5 � it’s a collection of essays by a man who competed as a runner himself but particularly revels in coaching runners. Reading this felt like having an interesting and inspiring chat with a coach, so I suspect runners will enjoy it but non-runners may lose interest. But his overarching theme is how the things you learn from running extend to the rest of life too, so the non-runners should stick around.
March 25, 2023
So happy I chose this book. This book is a great balance of inspiration and instruction. Mr Dugard 's writing/story telling felt the way he described his coaching style. There are parts that are touching yet not sappy; And still other parts made me laugh out loud. My best laugh was with the deer making their stealth departure.
While I have never had Olympic aspirations - at 60 - I continue to reignite the dream of one day being able to say, "I am a runner".
While I have never had Olympic aspirations - at 60 - I continue to reignite the dream of one day being able to say, "I am a runner".
September 25, 2023
Great read. I like how the author describes the overall essence of running and how it’s good for the soul.
It really captures the importance the internal struggle of balancing short term suffering vs. long term regret.
The Time and Again chapter was one of my favorites. Addressing the “jogging in place� thing was funny. If you’re a runner, how often have you seen that?
Great read especially for runners. Keep pushing� always!
It really captures the importance the internal struggle of balancing short term suffering vs. long term regret.
The Time and Again chapter was one of my favorites. Addressing the “jogging in place� thing was funny. If you’re a runner, how often have you seen that?
Great read especially for runners. Keep pushing� always!
March 2, 2021
Very breezy read with lots of great thoughts and experiences to chew on...although I am a runner (or at least, trying to become one again) and have that runner's perspective, at least in part, a lot of the ideas presented in this book apply across the board to many parts of life & it's got some universality in it in that way
September 26, 2021
Meh, this was fine. The best part was reading the details of the one and only Disneyland Marathon (now they're all at Disney World), one my parents also ran and said was horrible, and this book explained why (yikes!).
It felt more indulgent than technical or reflective, and a little pretentious for my taste.
It felt more indulgent than technical or reflective, and a little pretentious for my taste.
February 21, 2022
Good writing but to what end? Most of the time I was wondering what I was reading this for, until finally, 3/5 through the book, I gave myself permission to stop. It's not worthwhile.
It's like this guy's personal running journal. He's not someone I want to emulate or learn from. Two stars because he's a decent writer, though I really have no idea what the point of this book is.
No thank you
It's like this guy's personal running journal. He's not someone I want to emulate or learn from. Two stars because he's a decent writer, though I really have no idea what the point of this book is.
No thank you
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